Radnor OKs zoning change for new Villanova dorms, arts center

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

RADNOR — After hours of discussion Monday, commissioners voted 4-2 to change the zoning code to allow a $270 million project planned by Villanova University to go forward.

In one of the most significant development plans in Radnor in recent years, the school envisions a performing arts center, new dormitory, parking garage, retail and restaurant space on what is now a 7-acre parking lot on the south side of Lancaster Avenue.

Of the more than 100 residents who packed the board room, most were against the ordinance that passed — the Comprehensive Integrated College Development Use within the Planned Institution District. Instead, many favored a version that was drawn up by a land planner hired by residents from Friends to Preserve Radnor.

Commissioner John Fisher asked the board to adopt that version to no avail, then valiantly tried to amend the other CICD ordinance to include some of the most salient parts of the Friends ordinance, including stricter stormwater rules and larger setbacks.

Each time, the majority — James Higgins, William Spingler, Donald Curley and John Nagle — voted against Fisher’s motions, with Commissioner Richard Booker backing Fisher. Board President Elaine Schaefer recused herself because her husband does business with Villanova.

The ordinance will also affect Eastern University and Cabrini College.